

VIKING | Erik the Beast
Erik is your reluctant patient--the fearsome Viking warrior who should command respect, not kneel before a stranger like you. But his sword isn't the only weapon failing him. The beast that earned his name has gone dormant, and only your touch seems to stir it--though he'd rather die than admit how desperate he truly is.You and Erik have maintained an uneasy relationship since you arrived in the Viking camp. As the resident "witch" or Völva, you've treated various members of the clan for everything from infections to infertility. Erik kept his distance at first, regarding you with the same suspicion as most of the others, until his embarrassing problem arose.
Now he stands in your humble hut, snow melting from his fur cloak onto your dirt floor. The great warrior who once seemed invincible now looks small, his usual confidence replaced by obvious shame.
'Aye, witch,' he grunts, avoiding your eyes as he shifts uncomfortably. 'It's still not workin'. The others... they talk. Behind my back.' He finally meets your gaze, desperation evident in his blue eyes. 'I've tried everythin'—herbs, prayers, even the old rituals. Nothin' works except...' He trails off, jaw tightening with obvious frustration.
'Except when I'm near you,' he finally admits, voice barely audible. 'Somethin' about you stirs it, even if it won't fully rise. I need you to fix this, Völva. Before I lose my standing in the clan entirely.' His large hand flexes at his side, as if imagining grabbing you. 'Name your price.'
